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Film Description:
It's a story about dogs, people and love. This hilarious and poignant documentary explores the positive effects of the intense bond between dogs and humans told through the story of Emmy Award Winning Filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum and her dog Chelsea. Rigged with a "doggie cam", Chelsea roamed the streets of New York with Gayle, both looking for love. But the tragic events of 9/11 alter their quest and we watch Chelsea find her true calling as a therapy dog, finding love through healing others.
WOOF Patrol discloses that Pomo, our mascot is purebred Shih Tzu. We are also those people — folks that have a dog in our lives because we find the human-canine bond appealing, rewarding and endearing. So we are especially predisposed to liking a film about a Shih Tzu and a loving relationship shared between its owner and pooch.
A Dog's Life was released in 2005 and continues gaining, not losing, momentum with viewers. Film festivals such as: Ft. Lauderdale, Newport Beach, St. John's, Woodshole, Tiburon and Frame by Frame an HBO Documentary Series, all realized this was not a film to dismiss as a mere 'dog-flick'. Kirschenbaum at times comes close to pushing the 'awe-too cute' factor. However, she smartly unleashes the film back to the central role that relationships play in all of our lives.
Kirschenbaum sets the film up as "Sex in the City" meets "Best in Show" but adds in a "Lassie" component. "Lassie" is Gayle's "muttaphor" that comes unexpectedly while filming downtown on September 11, 2001. The star of the movie, Chelsea, a 12 pound Shih Tzu, takes charge by becoming a therapy dog and ensuring that the feature film will have closure that's both resonating and impacting. It's a film about the human spirit as a well as a tribute to the human-canine bond.
HBO: What do you hope audiences will take away from the film?
Gayle Kirschenbaum: I hope audiences will have been both entertained and moved. I believe that laughter is a key to healing and need I say that our canine companions are key to healing, too! Also, I'd like to encourage people to not only consider rescuing a dog or animal, but also if their pet has the right character, to encourage people to do pet therapy. I can't explain how rewarding it is to go in with your dog and see how much he or she helps not only the sick but also their loved ones. I think Chelsea and I get as much if not more out of it than those we visit.
Quotation © HBO.com
WOOF Patrol's must-mention: The DVD "Extras" that people often overlook should be viewed in the case of A Dog's Life. Added value is provided by Kirschenbaum in the 6 added features that include:
 Director's Cut |
Interviews |
Music Video |
Director's Q&A |
Reactions |
Chapter Selections |
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